FAW announce death of Speed

Wales manager Gary Speed has died, the Football Association of Wales have confirmed.

PUBLISHED: 12:43, Sun, Nov 27, 2011

Gary Speed [PA]

Wales manager Gary Speed has died, the Football Association of Wales have confirmed.

The FAW did not reveal the circumstances of the death of the 42-year-old former Leeds, Newcastle and Wales midfielder.

"The Football Association of Wales are sad to announce the death of the national team manager Gary Speed," read an FAW statement.

"We extend our sympathies and condolences to the family. We ask that everyone respects the family's privacy at this very sad time."

A spokeswoman for Cheshire Police said: "At 7.08am today, Cheshire Police was informed of a sudden death at an address in Huntington, Chester.

"Officers went to the scene where a 42-year-old man was found dead. The next of kin have been informed and have confirmed the identity of the man as Gary Speed.

"There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. The family have requested that they are left in peace to grieve at this difficult time. A family tribute will be released at a later date but not today."

Speed had been in charge of the national team since December 2010, and had recently presided over a run of four wins in five internationals to climb to 50th in the world rankings. Speed had previously served the Welsh national team with distinction as a player, winning 85 caps in a 14-year international career.

His greatest moment at club level came in 1992 when he won the championship with Leeds, while he was twice an FA Cup runner-up with Newcastle.

Speed also represented Everton, Bolton and Sheffield United in 22-year professional career which saw him make nearly 700 league appearances.